Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, the girl known by age two as Dilana Smith discovered a love for music at an early age, participating in school and church choirs as an escape from an unpleasant home life. Inspired by such visceral singers as Janis Joplin and Tina Turner, she left school at sixteen to follow her own dreams and soon found herself with a promising music career in Holland, becoming one of the country's most coveted live acts. Her 2000 album Wonderfool scored five singles, four videos and a string of touring and festival gigs throughout the region.
By way of Houston, she made it to L.A. and wound up auditioning for "Rock Star Supernova." As one publication noted, "The minute she stepped on the Mayan Theatre stage in Los Angeles in Episode One and performed Nirvana's 'Lithium,' she instantly became the show's frontrunner." Her powerful vocals and undeniable stage presence consistently garnered votes from viewers and the "Supernova" judges. Although most fans expected her to win, Dilana came in second to Canadian vocalist Lukas Rossi during the competition's finale. Unfazed, America's newest rock vixen mounted an initial solo tour this past December and more recently opened for Rockstar Supernova, earning consistently stellar reviews.
While music remains the focus of her life, Dilana is also committed to helping others, especially children. She has given her support to the Lili Claire Foundation as well as the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, asking her fans to donate to the cause. "Growing up in South Africa I saw a lot of pain and death. I saw babies die of AIDS. Anything I can do to help prevent that kind of suffering is worthwhile," says Dilana, an artist who is maturing in more way than one.
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